25/08/2026
Police Oracle
PCC announces David Sandall as preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has today (25 August 2026) named David Sandall as his preferred candidate for the new Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police.
An interview panel consisted of PCC Matthews, local business leader Martin Traynor OBE, Callum Faint Leicestershire’s Chief Fire Officer and Pam Kelly, Senior Policing Advisor.
The appointment will now be subject to a confirmation hearing by the Police and Crime Panel.
David Sandall, who joined Leicestershire Police as a police constable in 1999, stepped up from Deputy Chief Constable to Temporary Chief Constable on Rob Nixon’s retirement in 2025.
He has served with Leicestershire Police since 1999, following a family tradition of more than 90 years of service.
Promoted to Chief Superintendent in 2015 as Head of Crime and Intelligence, David became Assistant Chief Constable in 2019 and Deputy Chief Constable in 2022. In April 2025, he took up the role of Temporary Chief Constable.
David holds a Law degree and a Master’s degree from the University of Cambridge. He is an accredited Strategic Investigator, Senior Investigating Officer, Senior Identification Manager, Gold Public Order Commander and Specialist Strategic Firearms Commander.
Outside of work, David lives in Leicestershire with his family and is actively involved in supporting local Scouting.
Mr Matthews said: “David’s extensive policing and leadership experience speaks for itself, but what particularly impressed the panel was his deep understanding of Leicestershire’s unique communities, demographics and challenges. This insight has been developed through an exceptional 27-year career serving with the force.
“He brings a thorough knowledge of our city and counties, alongside a strong track record of delivering meaningful and lasting progress. The panel is confident that, under his leadership, Leicestershire Police will continue to build on its achievements and strive for excellence.
“Above all, David demonstrated a genuine passion for and commitment to working collaboratively with residents, community leaders and partner organisations to support the safety, health and prosperity of our communities.
“I have every confidence that he possesses the vision, integrity and leadership qualities needed to further strengthen Leicestershire Police’s reputation as an outstanding and innovative force, while ensuring people not only are safe, but feel safe too.”
T/Chief Constable David Sandall said: “I am extremely honoured to be named as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable of my home force Leicestershire Police.
“Serving the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland remains the of the utmost importance to me – preventing and detecting crime, supporting victims and carrying out investigations to the highest standard while continuing strong engagement with local residents, businesses and partners and delivering the priorities which have been set out in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan.
“Leading this outstanding force as Temporary Chief Constable for the past 16 months, I have seen our officers, staff and volunteers demonstrating exceptional commitment, care and professionalism every single day. Leading them is a responsibility I am extremely proud to take on and an absolute privilege which I do not underestimate.”